People with Purpose: Kyle Casey

In Kyle Casey’s dictionary, the words enforcement and empathy are synonymous.

Through his work as a patrol sergeant with the K-State Police Department, or KSUPD, Casey works to create environments where students, faculty and staff can teach, learn and grow — finding his purpose in ensuring K-State remains safe through supportive, steadfast police practices.

Q: What piece of advice can you uniquely give students?

Casey: My advice to students is to enjoy this phase of life and take advantage of everything it has to offer. As someone who was once young and on my own in Manhattan for the first time, I understand how exciting that freedom can be. This is a unique chapter, and you should make the most of it by saying yes to experiences you will carry with you long after you leave.

At the same time, try to keep your future in mind. Look out for one another, make thoughtful decisions, and take care of yourself and the people around you. If you can do that, you give yourself and your friends the best chance to enjoy the journey and walk across the stage together at the end. We want to see you return many years from now as proud and successful K-State alumni.

Q: What helps you earn students’ trust in your role?

Casey: Trust is not something we are given in this profession, but rather something we have to earn every day through our actions. That idea goes back to the foundations of modern policing, and I take it seriously in how I approach this role.

For us, earning students’ trust starts with how we treat people. We make a conscious effort to speak respectfully, listen and approach situations with fairness and consistency. Even when we must enforce the law, we focus on doing so in a professional and impartial manner.

Over time, those interactions matter. When students see that we are consistent, respectful and genuinely trying to help, it builds confidence in who we are and what we do. That trust is what allows us to be effective and to serve this campus the way it deserves.

Q: What motivates you on challenging days?

Casey: This profession is often described as a rollercoaster, and that has certainly been my experience. There are challenging days that come with the job, but what keeps me grounded are the positive moments along the way. Those moments can be big or small, but they all matter.

Sometimes it is helping a student through a traumatic situation. Other times, it’s the everyday moments, like getting the right resources to someone who needs them or stopping to get a kitten out of a busy road.

Each of those experiences is a reminder of why this work matters. On difficult days, I try to focus on those moments and the impact we can have. That perspective makes it easier to keep showing up and doing the job the right way.

Q: How does your work fit into the larger strategic plan of the university?

Casey: Public safety is a foundational part of the university’s broader strategic goals. When students feel safe, they are better able to focus on their education, stay engaged and succeed. Our work contributes to student retention, campus well-being and the overall experience of being part of the K-State community.

We are also part of a larger network of support services across campus, working alongside partners to proactively address challenges. At the same time, we have a unique responsibility to protect not only physical safety, but also the rights and liberties of the people we serve. By building trust and maintaining a safe environment, we help ensure the university can deliver on its mission.

 

Q: What do you hope your K-State legacy will be?

Casey: I hope that when my career comes to an end, I can look back knowing that I made a positive impact on how people view law enforcement, even in small ways. I do not need people to remember my name or what I looked like — what matters to me is that they remember how they were treated.

If someone walks away from an interaction feeling respected, heard and treated fairly, that stays with them. My hope is that those experiences help build trust over time, not just in me, but in the officers who come after me. If I can contribute to that kind of trust and leave the profession better than I found it, that would be a legacy I would be proud of.

Q: What advice would you give to students interested in your field?

Casey: My advice to students interested in the law enforcement field is to pursue it with confidence and intention. It can be a demanding profession, both physically and emotionally, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Do your research, find an agency that aligns with your values and take the time to understand the community you hope to serve.

Once you begin your career, a few things will serve you well. First, treat people the way you would want your own family treated, not just in how you speak to them, but in the effort you put into your work. Second, never stop learning. There are many paths within law enforcement, and developing a specialty can make you a stronger and more effective officer.

Finally, take the time to enjoy the experience. This is a career that will expose you to situations and people that most will never encounter. You will have some truly unique and memorable experiences along the way, and it is important to appreciate that aspect of the job while you are living it.